SOUTH Australia could take the next step towards recognising same-sex marriage within weeks, as a senior Labor MP warns New Zealand's new legislation makes us look like the "Deep South".

While New Zealand this week became the 13th country in the world to vote in favour of same-sex marriage, it is unlikely our Federal Parliament will debate the issue again anytime soon after a bill failed to pass last September.

However, in SA, Labor MP Steph Key is set to introduce a motion of support for gay marriage, paving the way for a new Bill for its recognition in the state.

Labor MLC and Environment Minister Ian Hunter, who married his partner in Spain earlier this year, said while he would prefer a Federal Act applying the same marriage laws to everyone, in the meantime he would fight to get state laws in place.

South Australian Minister Ian Hunter, right, and partner Leith Semmens are all smiles after getting married in the town of Jun in southern Spain.

"The kickalong from New Zealand embarrasses us all," he said. "Australia will look like the Deep South of the English-speaking world."

Opposition Leader Tony Abbott yesterday said his views on gay marriage were "pretty well known".

Coalition MPs will not be allowed a conscience vote on the matter, which is the only way such legislation is likely to pass.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard said yesterday her view that marriage should be between a man and a woman also remained unchanged.

As gay rights advocates celebrated in New Zealand, Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Rodney Croome said 1000 people had signed a petition signalling they would head across the Tasman to get married even though their marriages would not be recognised here.

Jennifer Soggee, 28, and Ebony Tonkin, 27, are engaged and have thought about travelling overseas to tie the knot.

Ms Soggee said that the fact New Zealand and France have both introduced same-sex marriage laws made her hopeful Australia was "one step closer".

"(We) would both really like to get married in our homeland and have that recognised," she said.

"I think it's important that peoples' love for each other should be acknowledged."

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